King of Pop Auction Raises More Than $5 Million

Beverly Hills, California - There is no doubt that Michael Jackson was a global fashion icon as well as award winning and beloved musician. His wardrobe dictated many of the styles throughout the last few decades. Jackson played a very intimate role in the designs and completion of every costume and piece of clothing he wore both on stage and in his personal life.

Lady Gaga was among the collectors at the recent auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia as she tweeted Sunday that she bought 55 pieces in the sale administered by Julien’s Auctions and said she plans to keep the items "archived and expertly cared for in the spirit and love of Michael Jackson, his bravery and fans worldwide."

In a day full of as much anticipation as any Michael Jackson concert, Julien’s Auctions, the premier celebrity and entertainment memorabilia auction house created a day full of special moments, worldwide bidding and the opportunity for museums, collectors and fans from around the world to bid on costumes and other items from the Collection of Tompkins & Bush, longtime fashion designers and friends of Michael Jackson.

The Collection of Tompkins & Bush auction event raised more than $5 million. Darren Julien, founder and CEO of Julien’s Auctions and Martin Nolan, Executive Director led their entire team in a fitting tribute to the King of Pop by wearing sequined gloves specially made for the auction event.

Highlights included a cross-section of every era of Michael Jackson’s spectacular career. A Michael Jackson BAD tour jacket sold for $240,000 a white Michael Jackson fantasy glove sold for $192,000 with a second crystal glove selling for $115,200, Michael Jackson’s 1973 Oscar performance ensemble sold for $51,200, Michael Jackson’s signed loafers sold for $10,000, A Michael Jackson signed Captain EO shirt sold for $9,375, a Michael Jackson multi-signed record set sold for $15,360, a White House jacket worn by Jackson to a visit with President George Bush sold for $144,000, a Michael Jackson "We Are the World" jacket sold for $40,625, a Michael Jackson BAD tour shirt sold for $144,000, a BAD tour belt sold for $37,500, a Michael Jackson military style jacket sold for $40.625 and a Michael Jackson signed and worn jacket sold for $156,000.

A portion of the proceeds of the auction benefit two charities, Guide Dogs of America (www.GuideDogsofAmerica.org) and Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas (www.nah.org). Both have special meaning to Michael Bush.

"We are so very grateful for everything Julien’s Auctions and Michael Bush have done for us," said Lorrie Benson, Media and Community Liaison, Guide Dogs of America. "So many people who come to Guide Dogs of America for help will now gain their independence from their sincere generosity. We feel honored to have been a part of such a wonderful program."

Serious collectors, museum curators and fans as far away as Japan, France and other countries attended the all day event, bid by phone or online. It was a spectacular day made for music history.

Lady Gaga was among the collectors at the recent auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia as she tweeted Sunday that she bought 55 pieces.

The Michael Jackson "Beat It’ tour jacket sold for $156,000, a Michael Jackson HIStory teaser film jacket sold for $118,750, a Michael Jackson costume signed sketch sold for $5,120, a Michael Jackson gold lame suit sold for $16,250, a Michael Jackson signed "Scream" prop sold for $3,750 while the Michael Jackson "Scream" costume sold for $156,000.

Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush shared a very personal and close 25 year relationship with the artist.

"You know Dennis picked the date of this auction when we first began this process and ironically it was the exact date in which he passed two years ago. It’s as if Michael is still working his magic from up above, said Michael Bush, fashion designer and author of "King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson."

"I am so honored to know that museums, respected collectors and the fans were able to obtain a special piece of Michael Jackson today at Julien’s Auctions as I know they will be cherished for many years to come," said Bush.

With expertise specializing in entertainment memorabilia, Julien’s Auctions has quickly established itself as the premier auction house in high profile celebrity sports and entertainment auctions.

Music enthusiasts, collectors and the curious will have the opportunity to bid on iconic music memorabilia dating back from the1930s to modern day, from the fascinating world of Lady Gaga to the historic legacy of The Beatles.